I already own a Colt 20" HBAR A2 using iron sights, and im now looking to get a shorter barrel M4. Im not crazy about red dot scopes, so does anyone use a traditional scope on their M4? I know the M4 is really for shorter distances than the A2, so Im not sure using a scope would make alot of sense. Can you guys recommend a good optic for an M4? Thanks.

I ran an issued ACOG or a privately purchased Horus Talon on my M4A1 before I got out. Presently run an privately purchased ACOG on my AR.

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I know the M4 is really for shorter distances than the A2

In actual military usage, this isn't true. An ACOG on either an M4 of M16 makes a 600 meter gun (at least for range use -- mileage tends to vary and diminish badly in the real world), without magnified optics neither is much good past 300 and really not coming into their own until a good ways inside that distance.

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Can you guys recommend a good optic for an M4?

What's your price range? A good quality used ACOG (TA01NSN model) can be had in the $600-ish range, which is also what they're charging for the Horus scope I mentioned above these days, I think (though that is without rings or other mount). Prices up from there for .mil issue stuff or built to similar standards.

I like the idea of a 1-4X, or maybe 1-6x on an M4. 1X, because the gun is primarily a CBQ weapon, 4X because it's still pretty effective at 300-plus. The magnification matches up well with the strengths of the round.

I would look at Nightforce, S&B, Elcan, Leupold, and on the lower end maybe Nikon, and don't leave out IOR. There are others ..not a complete list by any means. There are quite a few choices of 1-4X scopes these days.

Another way is to get a relatively inexpensive fixed power scope (Super Sniper?) and mount irons at a 45˚ angle for BUIS.

Unless you are going to drag your rifle through sand storms, deserts, swamps and all kinds of other cra#. $900.00 for a Acog is just plain crazzy, even $500.00 for a Eotech is outragous. There are pleanty of good 223 scopes on the market, just pick a short one with bullet compensation for drop and have fun and enough money to actually buy ammo for the gun.

Nikon M223 series...I have a couple...one on a Bushmaster carry handle M4 style AR carbine (1-4 power), another on a Golani (3-12..came with a flash kill). I also have a S&W M&P Flattop AR - M4 style carbine with a Burris Short Mag 3x9....another great scope...but I am admittedly keeping my eye out for a deal on an ACOG for it.

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A 9mm bullet MIGHT expand, but a .45 will never shrink.

Also check out Primary arms. They have a 1x-4x with lighted reticle which works great. I have one on my AR and when I ordered it I made a mistake with the order. They called me to make sure of what I wanted and made a suggestion which I heeded. They corrected my order all before sending it out to me. Received the order in lest than a week. Great service in my book.

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